Delhi-NCR Weather Update: 3 injured, 15 flights diverted as massive dust storm hits Delhi NCR for second day, IMD sounds red alert

IndiGo said Delhi and Jaipur are experiencing a dust storm, affecting takeoffs and landings and potentially causing air traffic congestion. This may lead to delays or diversions, the operator said in the post.

The India Meteorological Department sounded a red alert till 8.30 pm for the region, warning of light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning with gusty winds up to 70 kmph. Gusty winds reached 74 kmph at IGI Airport and 56 kmph at Safdarjung Airport, with New Delhi experiencing winds of around 85 kmph, as per the IMD.

Three injured as construction material falls on them

At least three persons sustained injuries after some construction material fell on them from the roof of a house in the Chander Vihar area following a dust storm on Friday, a Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officer told PTI.

The DFS received a call informing about the incident at 7.27 pm and dispatched three teams to the spot. “Some bricks fell from the roof of a house where construction work was going on, leaving at least three persons injured. They are being treated at a nearby hospital,” the officer said.

“We have secured the site. Construction work was going on to build a sixth floor on the five-storey building. We have sent the injured to the hospital. Further legal proceedings are underway,” a senior police officer told PTI.

Mercury drops as rain brings relief

The duststorm, meanwhile, helped keep the summer heat at bay. The maximum temperature recorded in the capital at 34.6 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees Celsius below normal. The minimum temperature was 22.8 degrees Celsius, around two degrees above normal.

“There has been a marked fall in minimum temperatures and appreciable fall in maximum temperatures over Delhi/NCR during the past 24 hours,” read the IMD bulletin.

Trace rainfall was recorded over most of Delhi. Mayur Vihar and Noida saw light rainfall of up to 5 mm on Thursday.

There were also no warm night conditions observed on Friday. For three days in a row, the minimum temperatures satisfied the criteria for warm night conditions — the maximum temperature is 40 degrees Celsius or more, and the minimum temperature is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above the season’s norm.

On Friday, the minimum temperature reduced significantly with a three-notch drop at Safdarjung, and other stations including Palam and Ghaziabad saw a drop of as much as five degrees in 24 hours.

“There will be a fall in maximum temperatures by 2°C during the next two days and a gradual rise by 3-5°C thereafter,” said the IMD.

On Thursday evening, a dust storm followed by a sudden downpour lashed Delhi, leading to a sharp fall in temperatures within an hour and providing much-needed relief from the soaring heat.

Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been sounded for Saturday. The IMD has forecast very light rain, with thunderstorms or lightning activities, and winds up to 40 kmph.

Mainly clear skies are expected for the coming days. From Tuesday to Thursday, it has forecast strong surface winds during the day.

The IMD said the temperatures are expected to hover around 20 to 41 degrees Celsius for the next six days.